DoT Simplifies Approval Processes For Obtaining Telecom, Wireless Equipment Licences

The Department of Telecommunications announced on Tuesday that it has introduced significant changes to the processes for issuing experimental licences, demonstration licences, and equipment type approvals.

These changes are based on the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India concerning the enhancement of ease of doing business and simplifying regulatory processes in the telecom sector.

"These reforms are aimed at reducing delays and simplifying regulatory requirements, fostering innovation and streamlining operations for businesses and telecom operators," the DoT's statement said.

Experimental Licences (Radiating Category): Fixed timelines have been introduced to ensure quicker approvals. In cases where the experimental licences do not require inter-ministerial consultation, the licence will be deemed issued after 30 days if no decision is conveyed.

In cases requiring inter-ministerial consultation, the DoT will seek comments within seven days of receiving a complete application. If no comments are received, a provisional licence will be granted after 60 days, which will be converted to a regular licence after 90 days, provided there are no adverse comments.

Demonstration Licences (Radiating Category): For licences without inter-ministerial consultation, it will be deemed granted after 15 days. For those requiring consultation, licences will be deemed granted after 45 days, once comments are sought from relevant authorities.

Furthermore, other applicable terms and conditions will continue to apply. If any unfavourable inter-ministerial comments are received during the approval process, the provisional licence will be cancelled, and the experiment must be stopped immediately.

Applicants must submit an undertaking agreeing to this condition at the time of initial application. In the event of the cancellation of a provisional or regular licence, or upon the expiry of the experimental/demonstration period, users must ensure the radio equipment is covered under relevant possession rules, returned to its source, or disposed of in accordance with existing guidelines.

All other terms and conditions outlined in the office memorandum dated July 23, 2019, will remain in force.

In a significant shift, all the applications of Equipment Type Approvals for licence-exempt wireless devices will now be granted on a self-declaration basis.

Applicants can submit their applications through the SARAL Sanchar portal, where they can download their ETA certificates upon successful submission.

This self-declaration process is expected to significantly reduce the time and effort required for approvals, benefiting companies looking to deploy wireless equipment in the Indian market.

Additionally, ETA holders are reminded to obtain the necessary clearances, such as a no-objection certificate from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, before importing equipment.